Course profiles all eight stages Paris-Nice 2017; check them out

Profiles for the stages of Paris-Nice 2017, starting on Sunday, reveal testing terrain that creates a race with plenty for the sprinters, road men and climbers.

Some days are pan flat while others will suit the fastmen who may not have the quickest top speed but are better at surviving on a lumpy course than some of the pure sprinters.

And, of course, there's climbing to be done, with a summit finish tomorrow week set to shape the general classification.

Before then, the stage four TT - some 14.5km next Wednesday - should also help decided the final standings.

Irish in Paris-Nice

In the field are four Irishmen; Nicolas Roche (BMC Racing), Philip Deignan (Team Sky), Dan Martin (QuickStep) and Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe).

Paris-Nice is an event in which Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche exceled during their careers.

Stephen Roche took overall victory in 1981 in the early period of his career. And Sean Kelly famously won it seven years in a row, from 1982 to 1988.

It is a record that remains in the history books and will likely never be bettered.

Deignan is in the Team Sky line-up going for overall glory with Sergio Henao who recently became Colombian road champion.

Roche's team leader Richie Porte his a hot favourite to take overall victory, even though this will be his first race in Europe this season.

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Bennett has shown very good form this season already and will be on the hunt for a stage victory. Many of the stages should suit him but obviously victory at this level is a major challenge.

Martin too has been in great form and is capable of winning a stage. And though the TT may hinder his general classification challenge, he is a favourite for the podium.

Roche and Deignan will likely be more curtailed by team responsibilities but they may still get a chance to aim for a personal result on one of the stages.